High Blood Pressure and When to Seek Help
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High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a silent but serious condition affecting nearly half of American adults. Many people are unaware they have it, as symptoms often go unnoticed until complications arise.
For residents of Sussex County, understanding the risks, symptoms, and when to seek care is crucial for maintaining heart health and overall well-being.
What is High Blood Pressure?
High blood pressure occurs when the force of blood against artery walls is consistently too high, making the heart work harder to pump blood. Over time, this can damage blood vessels and lead to serious health issues like heart disease, stroke, and kidney problems.
Blood pressure is measured in two numbers:
Systolic pressure: The force when the heart pumps blood into the arteries.
Diastolic pressure: The force when the heart rests between beats.
A normal blood pressure reading is below 120/80 mm Hg. Readings above this range are categorized as elevated, Stage 1 hypertension, or Stage 2 hypertension, depending on severity.
High Blood Pressure in Sussex County and Delaware
In Sussex County, cardiovascular disease, including heart disease and stroke, remains the leading cause of death, according to the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS). Hypertension is a significant contributing factor to this trend. Statewide, 36.2 percent of adults have been diagnosed with hypertension, higher than the national average.
Symptoms of High Blood Pressure
Most people with high blood pressure experience no symptoms, even when readings are dangerously high. However, some may notice:
Headaches
Shortness of breath
Nosebleeds
These symptoms often appear only when blood pressure reaches life-threatening levels. Regular blood pressure checks are the only reliable way to diagnose hypertension.
Several factors increase the risk of developing hypertension, including:
Lifestyle choices: High salt intake, lack of exercise, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption.
Medical conditions: Diabetes, kidney disease, and sleep apnea.
Genetics and age: Family history and aging blood vessels.
Obesity and poor diet: Diets high in processed foods and low in potassium contribute to hypertension.
When to Seek Medical Attention for High Blood Pressure
Knowing when to seek care is essential for managing hypertension effectively. Here’s a breakdown of situations that require medical attention:
If you’re struggling to control your blood pressure at home
If you suffer a sudden spike in blood pressure may indicate a hypertensive urgency. While not an emergency, it requires prompt medical attention.
High blood pressure can escalate into a hypertensive emergency, which can damage vital organs. Seek immediate care at Bayhealth Total Care’s Emergency and Urgent Care Center if you experience:
Severe headache
Chest pain
Shortness of breath
Confusion or blurry vision
Nausea or vomiting
Seizures
These symptoms, combined with extremely high blood pressure, could indicate a stroke, heart attack, or other life-threatening conditions.
How to Maintain Healthy Blood Pressure
You can prevent and manage high blood pressure through simple lifestyle changes and consistent monitoring. Focus on eating a heart-healthy diet by cutting back on salt, staying active with at least 30 minutes of daily exercise, moderating alcohol intake, and quitting smoking to support your overall health.
For those already diagnosed with high blood pressure, regular check-ups are also essential for detecting early signs of hypertension and staying in control of your health.
Get Immediate Care for High Blood Pressure
At Bayhealth Total Care’s Emergency and Urgent Care Center, our primary goal is to provide the residents of Sussex County with exceptional service and the proper billing for the care they need. Our combined emergency room and urgent care in Milton are fully equipped to handle everything from allergies to chest pain 24/7 with on-site labs, X-ray, ultrasound and CT.
Every patient at our ER and urgent care walk-in clinic is seen by an ER-trained physician at every visit, regardless of the level of care they need. Our approach makes care more affordable by avoiding the higher cost of the emergency room if patients only require urgent care services. Our ER and urgent care clinic is open 24/7.
Bayhealth Total Care’s Emergency and Urgent Care Center is located at 18383 Hudson Road, Milton, DE 19968.